The announcement of mass layoffs at Nestlé Spain has become one of the most discussed events in the country’s labor market. The company reported the launch of a collective dismissal procedure (ERE), which will affect 301 employees out of a total workforce of 4,158. The decision concerns not only office staff but also employees in sales, logistics, and several production sites. Within hours of the news being published, unions UGT, CCOO, and CSIF strongly criticized the initiative, promising to defend workers’ interests at every stage of the negotiations.
Scale and geography of the layoffs
According to official information, the layoffs are not limited to a single department or region. At risk are employees in offices, sales teams, distribution centers, and several production facilities. Specifically, this affects plants in Pontecesures (Pontevedra), Sebares (Asturias), La Penilla (Cantabria), Miajadas (Cáceres), Reus (Tarragona), and Girona. Thus, the consequences of Nestlé Spain’s decision will be felt by workers across various parts of the country, not just in one region. For many families, this means uncertainty and concern for the future.
Company arguments
Nestlé Spain’s management cites changes in the mass consumption sector as the reason for the collective dismissal. The company notes an increase in operating costs, shifts in consumer habits, and stronger private-label competition. According to Nestlé, automation and digitalization of processes are necessary to remain competitive and move towards a more efficient business model. An internal analysis of the structure and already implemented cost-cutting measures, the company says, failed to avoid the current step. Nestlé emphasizes that it will negotiate with unions openly and with respect for employees.
This decision is set against the backdrop of the parent company’s global strategy, which previously announced 16,000 job cuts worldwide. Despite this, Nestlé Spain’s financial results remain strong: in 2025, turnover reached €2.894 billion, and sales volume rose by 4.8% to €1.619 billion. Investments also hit a ten-year high of €96 million. These figures have fueled a strong response from unions, who view the cuts as unjustified.
The union’s position
UGT called the decision on mass layoffs unfair and excessive, emphasizing that the company maintains its leading market position and continues to earn multimillion-euro profits. The union demands an immediate withdrawal of the layoff plan and proposes an alternative in the form of internal reorganization without job losses. UGT representatives assure employees that they will defend every job and the rights of all affected families.
CSIF also considers the number of layoffs excessive and intends to seek its reduction, as well as better conditions for those who may be affected. The organization does not rule out joint pressure actions with other unions. All key issues will be discussed at a special negotiating platform that will begin work on May 6.
CCOO opposes any layoffs, pointing to the company’s stable financial standing. The union criticizes the haste and secrecy with which Nestlé held the first meeting with worker representatives, and believes that Spain may suffer more than other countries where similar staff reduction measures are being implemented.
Next steps and actions by employees
At this stage, the fate of 301 employees has not yet been definitively determined. The key moment will be the negotiation process between the company and the unions, which begins on May 6. Employees are advised to closely follow official announcements, find out whether their positions are subject to layoffs, and seek support from union organizations. In the coming weeks, it will become clear whether it is possible to change the scale of layoffs or achieve softer conditions for the affected staff.
The situation surrounding the ERE at Nestlé Spain highlights how acute the issues of employment and social stability are perceived in the country. The company’s decision has already triggered a serious dialogue between business and employee representatives, and its outcome may set an important precedent for other large employers.
